Registration open for Motorcycle Safety Forum to be held March 14
AMES , Iowa – Registration is now being accepted for the Fifth Annual Motorcycle Safety Forum. The Iowa Traffic Safety Alliance, a diverse partnership of highway safety practitioners in engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency services, is facilitating the event March 14 at the Sheraton West Des Moines, 1800 - 50 th St., from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Motorcycle fatalities have increased significantly, both in Iowa and nationally, since the late 1990s. Iowa has more than 200,000 licensed motorcycle operators and more than 125,000 registered motorcycles. Preliminary data shows 61 people were killed last year while driving or riding on motorcycles in Iowa . Of those motorcycle crashes, seven were crashes with deer that killed 10 people. Nearly 30 percent of the people killed were not licensed to ride a motorcycle.
The forum brings together stakeholders, including individuals representing the Iowa Motorcycle Rider Education Program, Iowa departments of Transportation and Public Safety, and motorcycle associations, along with enthusiasts, riders and dealers. Two motorcycle arcade-style simulators will be available this year to give people the opportunity to experience what it is like to ride while impaired. The E-85 chopper, designed for the Iowa Farm Bureau by Orange County Choppers, will also be on display with photo opportunities available.
This one-day, interactive, hands-on forum will be highlighted by safety displays, rider training, vendor booths, and other motorcycle-related exhibits. Several speakers will share valuable information during the forum. The featured presenter is author and motorcycle safety instructor Pat Hahn. Hahn uses his experience riding motorcycles as a commuter in large cities to teach others how to make the most of their own motorcycles and skills.
Other topics planned for the forum include a session on riding while impaired and discussion on national legislative initiatives for motorcyclists.
There is no registration fee for the event, and lunch and breaks will be provided. To get your name on the attendee list, please contact Iowa State University 's Conference Services by phone at 515-294-6222, fax to 515-294-6223 or E-mail via [email protected].